Those of us who aren’t headed to the Gorge this weekend might be tempted to pass some time in front of our televisions. In fact, according to some studies, the average American spends four hours a day, or 28 hours a week, glued to the tube. But if we listen to the wise words of our favorite front-man, we may find that this seemingly innocuous hobby might be an unfortunate way to burn our days away.Those of us who aren’t headed to the Gorge this weekend might be tempted to pass some time in front of our televisions. In fact, according to some studies, the average American spends four hours a day, or 28 hours a week, glued to the tube. But if we listen to the wise words of our favorite front-man, we may find that this seemingly innocuous hobby might be an unfortunate way to burn our days away.
One of the most beautiful things about Dave Matthews Band is their ability to develop and translate their songs on the live stage. Whether it’s an improved jam or a new arrangement to an old classic, there is something about hearing and seeing DMB songs live that keeps fans coming back for more.
One of the biggest questions that come to mind is what they will play and how these songs will be played? Through the years, DMB have been constantly changing their sound and style which as artists, should be done. No rock band can withstand 20 years of touring and recording without exploring their art form, and no one wants to hear the same show and songs over and over.
Even better, getting songs never heard before or songs that they feel the need to bust out just because they are feeling it at the time. Perfect example of that in 2010 are songs like “Break for It” and “Black Jack”. You don’t know what to expect, and sometime neither does DMB. What else is there to do but, just take it all in!
“Big Whiskey and the Groogrux King”, arguably one of their best studio efforts since “Before These Crowded Streets”, has translated to the live stage very well and has been well received by fans. The dynamic of the band and this album has drastically changed with the lack of our beloved saxophonist LeRoi Moore, but his spirit and the band musicianship has held strong.
At this point in the 2010 tour, many have likely had a chance to hear the “new” Big Whiskey songs live at shows and even have seen some progression in these tunes since 2009.
My first impressions of the Big Whiskey tunes live on stage were nothing short of amazing.
Few people in this life attain rock-star status. Even fewer hold on to that title for twenty plus years. And only one, that I know of, has done this while maintaining a Buddha like humility about his success. In a recent article with the Denver Post, Dave Matthews was quoted saying, “The part that I do is to be terrified of not doing my best and having a right measure of shame and a right measure of good fortune...I can’t just go out there and sing my songs because people can hear that on the radio. People want to come and be transported and I also want to be transported.” In other words, Dave refuses to merely sit pretty on a bed of riches. It is not enough for him to have made it to the top, because from there it is a long way to fall. Instead, he offers himself completely to every show, knowing that each performance is another opportunity to create magic and change lives.
This tour is incendiary! Not since the early days of the Dave Matthews Band have we seen such variety and energy emanating from every inch of the group’s presence. We knew going in that there would be surprises, but this is insane! At about halfway through the summer series, we’ve already been treated to a plethora of rarities, including, “Minarets,” “Lover Lay Down,” “Blue Water,” “The Stone,” “What You Are,” “I’ll Back You Up,” “Halloween,” "The Last Stop," and, of course, “Sister,” which a certain spirited fan just happened to write about last week! And if we count partial songs and teases, we can add, “Spoon,” “Beach Ball,” “Write a Song,” “#40,” and “Water into Wine,” to our list of extraordinary shockers. 
The best kind of advice is honest, direct, and energizing. Luckily, Dave Matthew’s sister, Jane, must have known this when she strongly encouraged her brother to simply put down some lyrics after he complained to her of writer’s block. According to Dave, it was this suggestion that ultimately led to the song, “Sister,” which he commonly refers to as “the quietest thing in the room.” We already knew of Jane’s fabulous taste in music since she apparently prefers “The Song That Jane Likes,” and now we have her to thank for the inception of this beautiful arrangement as well.
Life is full of difficult questions and choices. What does it all mean? Where do we go when we die? Why does suffering exist? Which is your favorite Dave Matthews Band song?Seriously. It’s insanely hard to pick just one. And just when you think you’ve narrowed it down to that one tune that beckons your soul to run free, something changes. Or, in my case, they start teasing #40, which by the way is my all time favorite DMB track. I think.
In a recent interview for CNSnews.com before his Jane Goodall benefit concert, Dave Matthews responded to questions about Iraq and Afghanistan by saying that “fighting for peace is a broken model.” He supported his opinion with the fact that “there’s never been a time when there hasn’t been a war in the past 75 years on the planet,” indicating that war begets war. On a political level, it’s interesting to hear Dave speak so openly about his beliefs. The frontman has never been one to hide his way of thinking, but if we compare these statements to comments that he made in 2007 at Radio City Music Hall, it’s clear that his frustration with the current state of affairs is mounting. But politics aside, what’s perhaps even more compelling about Dave’s remarks are their relevance to the human condition.
As psychologists, we say that the first dream that a client has during treatment speaks to his or her therapeutic goals, and/or how the therapy will progress. I believe that this same thinking can be applied to understanding the first song that a band chooses for a tour opener. This year, the Dave Matthews Band began their premier summer concert on 5/28/10 at the Comcast Amphitheater in Hartford, CT, with “JTR,” a number that hasn't been played live since 9/3/06. So, what can we infer from this fantastic selection?
Despite the warmer nights, and abundance of green, it's hard to believe that another year has passed. After a long, and unusually snowy winter, the flowers are blooming, the pollen is flowing, and this weekend, the Dave Matthews Band kicks off their 51 date tour at the Comcast Center in Hartford, CT. Although the fairest season doesn't officially start until the solstice on June 21st, many believe that DMB's premier concert officially marks the beginning of summer in their hearts.